About the Teacher of Peace Award
What is our purpose in choosing a ‘Teacher of Peace’? We began this tradition at the recommendation of Fr. Steve Bossi, CSP, with the award to Sr. Mary Alban, CSJ, in 2013. In selecting a Pax Christi Toronto teacher of peace each year, we demonstrate that peacebuilding is important, and we actively promote the idea of peace. We recognize a person who, in our experience, shows outstanding witness in seeking nonviolent solutions to conflict. We try to choose someone ‘not as well known’, and whose ‘story should be told’. Teachers of peace show us through their actions how to address issues of justice and peace in our communities and with our government. They enable all of us to take responsibility for seeking nonviolent solutions to conflict.
‘Teacher of Peace’ Recipient 2026
Celebrates Lyn Adamson
Lyn Adamson is honoured for her continued commitment to peace, and non-violence and her ongoing dedication to climate action. Many significant events took place on May 3, 2026, at Toronto United Mennonite Church. The program reveals a written land acknowledgment of treaty obligations plus a gratitude acknowledgment to TUMC, the current home of Community Peacemaker teams.
As Sr Jean Leahy was the MC, in gathering us together, she reflected on the recent words of Pope Leo who evoked the notion that war divides us but that hope unites us. Jane Sagar read a land acknowledgment appropriate for the event and Tom Sagar provided a brief recollection of the origins of Pax Christi in occupied France and a comment on the unique challenges faced by Pax Christi Toronto from the Vietnam war to the present. Sister Mary Ellen Francoeur then began her talk about the 2026 honoree. (See Introduction to Lyn Adamson by Sr. Mary-Ellen Francoeur)
At the conclusion of her comments upon receiving the 2026 Teacher of Peace Award, several people wished to add their expressions of appreciation for Lyn Adamson`s witness to the world: i) Cathy LaCroix remembered their work at Citizen`s Climate Lobby, ii) Greg Gillis spoke to her commitment to Gospel nonviolence, contemplative prayer and her participation in protesting CANSEC in Ottawa. iii) Teacher of Peace, Len Desroches spoke to Lyn`s skill in confronting abuse of power, iv) Sylvia Skrepichuk introduced a unique personal note when she recalled teaching mathematics with Lyn`s
dad Jim at Dunbarton High School and her subsequent inheriting of his meticulous teacher notes. Their mutual involvement led to Sylvia`s commenting on the Adamson family’s Quaker connections and their ability to practice active listening, v) TUMC Pastor Peter Haresnape, spoke to Lyn`s unflappable skill in holding up her vision, vi) Jill Carr-Harris celebrated how they have kept their own lives in parallel as Lyn practiced weaving peace into her incredible life journey, vii) Lyn`s `little` sister, who attended the same high school where her dad and Sylvia taught paid tribute to her big sister who `started her off` so to speak, viii) Pax Christi`s own Keeper of the Flame. Mary Lou Jorgensen-Bacher observed how they have known each other for a quarter of a century, ix) longtime Lyn supporter and collaborator, Margaret Rao chose not to address the gathering; however, Angela Orellana Schwalm, who could not attend because of illness added the following comment by email: I’ll always remember in the early days of ClimateFast, and the occasions when we would work together on various initiatives, (deputations, the FFNPT, etc.) your selfless dedication, and seemingly tireless
energy…I personally was very inspired by you. I will always be grateful for all that you have taught me and continue to do for others.
After providing good pieces of advice for anyone wishing to emulate her, Lyn spoke again and as she did so, she taught us a little song- HOLD ON, HOLD ON…HOLD ON TO THE VISION THAT IS BEING BORN. Following a few more remarks, Lyn asked for a few moments of silence in the Quaker tradition, followed by handshakes. The moment then arrived for us to sing the Sebastian Temple Prayer of Saint Francis led by Sister Mary Ellen. Our singing together was prefaced by Lyn`s leading us in singing HOLD ON. Once the singing of the Prayer of Saint Francis was completed, Lyn lead us again in singing HOLD ON. At this special moment, it was mentioned that Sister Mary Ellen was celebrating the 50th anniversary of her becoming a Sister of Service and that the events of the day (without in any way intending to detract from Lyn`s accomplishment)was the perfect occasion for Pax Christi Toronto to celebrate that milestone in the most fitting way we could imagine.
It is to be hoped that those with the appropriate musical talent will be able to help us to incorporate Lyn`s song with how we have come to conclude the meetings of Pax Christi Toronto. Incorporating Lyn`s song would be a fitting way to recall her impact as well as the ecumenical openness of Toronto Mennonite United Church to what some members of his congregation smilingly refer to as “Peter`s Catholics` We should be grateful that we able recognize our debt to each other and to the slow deepening of our connections with other peacebuilders living on the north shore of Lake Ontario – Niigaani Gitchigami. Blessings.
-Tom Sagar
‘Teacher of Peace’ Recipient 2025
The Gen Climate Action Group (Sophia Mathur, Zoe Keary-Matzner, Shaelyn Wabegijig, Shelby Gagnon, Alex Neufeldt, Madison Van Dyck and Beze Gray) have been courageously fighting a legal battle, challenging the Government of Ontario, which they claimed violated the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, particularly the right to life. They argued that by weakening their emissions targets, the Ontario climate plan fails to protect them and future generations, discriminating against them as youth, who will bear the brunt of the impacts. https://ecojustice.ca/genclimateaction/. The courage and determination demonstrated by the group in the face of many setbacks were truly exemplary and undoubtedly an inspiration to others. By their actions, they have chosen a peaceful, non-violent means to confront this injustice, in keeping with the rule of law, to ensure that future generations’ rights are protected, which may lead to transformative change, for which the Gen Action Climate Group was chosen to receive the 2025 Teacher of Peace Award.
Pax Christi Toronto ‘Teacher of Peace’ Award 2024
Sister Jean Leahy, CSJ is honoured as Pax Christi’s 2024 Teacher of Peace for her ongoing commitment to Peace, Justice and Non-Violence. was celebrated at Newman Centre with members of Development & Peace, Pax Christi Toronto, family and Sisters of St. Joseph.
Pax Christi Toronto ‘Teacher of Peace’ Award 2023
2023 – The Teacher of Peace Award was presented to Leonard Desroches at Church of the Holy Trinity in Toronto, for his lifelong commitment to active nonviolence in peacebuilding and communication of the life of nonviolence and love.
Pax Christi Toronto ‘Teacher of Peace’ Award 2022
2022 – Camp Micah Youth and Staff were awarded the 2022 Teacher of Peace Award for exemplary and ongoing commitment to peacebuilding and leadership for Peace and Justice. Camp Micah Youth and Staff are actively engaged in an annual summer camp experience where the principles of compassion and active non-violence are taught in a peaceful and welcoming environment. They take their guidance from biblical teachings to “Love Tenderly, Act Justly and Walk Humbly with your God” https://www.campmicah.ca/
Pax Christi Toronto ‘Teacher of Peace’ Award 2021
2021 – Kehkashan Basu, founder of Green Hope Foundation, challenged youth and others to focus on the common good. Recognizing the serious damage being done to plants and all living things she articulated her commitment to care for the environment. Through her initiatives, she continues to call youth and supporters to take concrete action to effect meaningful change and to recognize their responsibility to heal the world. She is recognized for her wise, committed and steadfast moral leadership as a voice of and for youth on the international stage and for inspiring a Culture of Peace and transformation. https://www.thegreenhopefoundation.org/
Pax Christi Toronto ‘Teacher of Peace’ Award 2019
2019 – Rev. Fr. Paul Hansen C.Ss.R is a Redemptorist priest who has spent most of his life working for Biblical Justice. A former member of the Church’s Ecumenical Coalitions seeking justice, Fr. Paul became chair of the Board of KAIROS after returning from a seven year stint in Rome leading his Order’s commitment to Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation. Fr. Paul is on the Social Affairs Commission of the Ontario Bishops, an Executive member of ISARC – Interfaith Social Assistance Reform Coalition, and on the Board of the Human Development Foundation Mercy Centre Bangkok, Thailand. Paul is President of CAIF, Canadian Alternative Investment Foundation, providing financing solutions for charities that serve marginalized and economically disadvantaged populations. He is a fearless and creative advocate for disadvantaged, marginalized and oppressed people. He demonstrates international leadership on Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation, and national leadership in KAIROS: Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives. https://www.catholicregister.org/item/30241-fr-paul-hansen-being-honoured-with-pax-christi-award
Pax Christi Toronto ‘Teacher of Peace’ Award 2018
2018 – Dwyer Sullivan, was Basilian for 15 years and taught in Windsor, Houston, Kitchener and Toronto. Dwyer earned a Ph.D. in Youth Ministry, was Director of Youth Corps, a Catholic leadership program inspiring youth to create communities of justice and compassion in their parishes and schools. In Kitchener, he began the Educators for Justice (E4J) to initiate, support and promote nonviolent peace and justice activities for yuth. He organized and led trips to Ft. Benning, George to join the School of the Americas Watch vigil and each year organizes a week-long trip o visit the Catholic Worker community in Washington DC taking active part in their vigils at the White House and Pentagon. He is founding Director of Camp Micah which inspires youth leadership for peace and justice. https://kingston.peacequest.ca/150-canadians-day-134-dwyer-sullivan/
Pax Christi Toronto ‘Teacher of Peace’ Award 2017
2017 – Sr. Priscilla Solomon CSJ is the 2017 Recipient of Pax Christi Teacher of Peace for her work in Faith and Justice Ministry – focuses on Indigenous rights, ecological justice, human rights trafficking and poverty issues. Most especially, Indigenous rights – healing and reconciliation between Indigenous Peoples and Settler Peoples in Canada, member of “Our Lady of Guadalupe Circle” a Coalition to restore peaceful right relations and address the TRC recommendations. https://www.kairoscanada.org/people/sister-priscilla-solomon
Pax Christi Toronto ‘Teacher of Peace’ Award 2016
In 2016, Sr. Mary-Ellen Francoeur joined the KAIROS Women of Courage delegation to Democratic Republic of the Congo to understand, support and empower women and their communities impacted by the violence of war, poverty and the international mining industry. She and the other participants returned to Canada to share their experiences and invite advocacy for the Congo, including the need for accountability of Canadian mining companies and for conflict-free minerals. Sr. Mary-Ellen Francoeur was named Pax Christi Teacher of Peace in 2016. Read more.
Pax Christi Toronto ‘Teacher of Peace’ Award 2015
Observing that we have a ‘department of war’ i.e. Ministry of National Defence, Senator Douglas Roche has drawn up a detailed proposal for a Canadian Department of Peace. Senator Douglas Roche, diplomat, peace activist and author of 22 books including The Human Right to Peace was named Pax Christi Ambassador of Peace in 2015. https://www.thesimonsfoundation.ca/peace-leaders/hon-douglas-roche-oc
Pax Christi Toronto ‘Teacher of Peace’ Award 2014
Fr. Bob Holmes of Christian Peacemaker Teams, Campaign Nonviolence, and Camp Micah, has provided inspiration, expertise and enthusiasm for each PCT Peace Walk since we began to make this an annual event. In recognition of his ongoing active witness for nonviolent solutions to conflict, and his outstanding peace work with youth, Fr. Bob was named Pax Christi Teacher of Peace in 2014. https://coat.ncf.ca/our_magazine/links/issue41/articles/removing_the_sword_from_the_cross.htm https://basilian.org/en/peace-walk-marks-international-day-of-peace/
Pax Christi Toronto ‘Teacher of Peace’ Award 2013
Pax Christi Toronto has awarded to Sister Mary Alban Bouchard, csj as ‘Teacher of Peace’, in recognition of her lifetime achievement of dedicated commitment to world leadership in both Canada and Haiti for the cause of Peace on Earth.
The Teacher of Peace Award – granted in line with the tradition of Pax Christi International – was presented to Sister Mary Alban on 28 August 2013 in her room at the Infirmary of the new St Joseph Residence in Toronto Canada.
Inspired by Sr. Mary Alban’s leadership and determination, Pax Christi Toronto worked with the Hiroshima Nagasaki Day Commemoration committee to re-establish the Peace Garden in Nathan Phillips Square at Toronto City Hall. In recognition of her tireless work in establishing Pax Christi in Canada, and her many years teaching in Haiti and in enabling her students to establish a written language, Sr. Mary Alban Bouchard was named Pax Christi Teacher of Peace in 2013. https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/thornhill-on/sister-alban-bouchard-9060679